Local economies
The business rates system needs to go
Today is the deadline for the call for evidence for the Treasury’s review of business rates. Rather than tinkering with the current system, it needs to go, writes Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton.
New Inclusive Growth Network to drive local economic recovery
Launched today, the Inclusive Growth Network will showcase the successes of local leaders in delivering a better, bolder vision for people and places across the UK, says Charlotte Alldritt.
Frustration bubbles over wait for Brexit bonanza
The Government runs the risk of ‘levelling up everywhere at rock bottom’ as uncertainty continues to reign over funding for the regions months after Brexit.
Redundancy notifications at more than double levels of last recession
Redundancy notifications are running at more than double the levels seen in the 2008/09 recession, with the vast majority caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to new research.
Inspiring a new generation
Future First works with state schools and colleges to link young people with alumni and employers, making it the perfect fit this year as the official charity for the The MJ Awards, says Nancy Scott.
How to drive a green recovery
Ahmed Goga explains the levers that local and central government policymakers can deploy to drive a green recovery through local enterprise.
Booting up for a new career in coding
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street explains how coding bootcamps are helping learners from the West Midlands to start exciting new careers in technology.
The restructure we require is not to be found in our town halls
The devolution White Paper will reveal Boris Johnson's 'northern growth body'. But this will have a fatal flaw as its creator is Whitehall, writes Sarah Longlands.
LEPs need capacity boost to improve delivery, research finds
Local enterprise partnerships (LEP) would be better at delivering large-scale capital projects if they had more capacity, independent research for the Government has found.
Reform of Public Health England is a future of work question
Local areas should be ‘empowered and equipped to respond to the more familiar and endogenous drivers of health inequalities’ including access to good work, says Dr Abigail Gilbert.
DCN: Bigger local government is ‘not better or cheaper’
Proposals for county unitary councils would be 122 times larger than the average council in Germany, a new report by the District Councils’ Network (DCN) warns today.
More autonomy for councils is crucial
Brent’s independent Poverty Commission report recommends enhanced powers and finances for councils. Councils have earned their place, says Shazia Hussain.
Minister responds to Blackburn MP's call for extra lockdown funding
Local government minister Simon Clarke has responded to an MP’s letter calling for additional funding to support businesses in Blackburn hit by the delay in lifting some COVID-19 measures.
Salford’s development partnership strengthens
The pandemic has had a far-reaching impact, but the English Cities Fund and Salford City Council continue to deliver their long term vision for the city, says Phil Mayall.
Moving forward in a time of unprecedented demand
Lawrence Conway says confidence building, hope and support, and visionary and purposeful local leadership are needed ‘as we move forward to build a better world now and for future generations’.
MPs call for 'urgent and targeted' support to avoid 'blunt' lockdown
Three MPs have written to health secretary Matt Hancock calling for ‘urgent and targeted support’ to address the surge in coronavirus cases in Oldham and avoid the need for a harder lockdown.
Councils have the local support to do what they must
As local government works hard to revive local economic activity and resume normality, there is strong support from its communities for it to do whatever it takes, according to Ben Page.
Combined authority first governmental body to join alliance
Mayor Steve Rotheram has announced that Liverpool City Region combined authority is the first governmental body in the world to join the wellbeing economy alliance.
Working through a crisis
As one of the regions hardest hit by COVID-19, Lancashire is taking steps to ensure its communities emerge better prepared for future challenges, writes Stephen Young.
Government reaffirms support for LEPs
The Government has reaffirmed its support for local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) ahead of this autumn’s local recovery and devolution White Paper.
